BPA Hybrid Solar Farm

Bui is Ghana’s third hydroelectric dam, after Akosombo and Kpong. It was completed in 2013 to generate 404MW of hydro power, evacuating same from a 161kV Switchyard via transmission lines

However, in order to diversify Bui’s power generation capabilities especially during drought situations, the Government of Ghana initiated the development of a 250 MW solar hybrid farm at the Bui Generation Station (BGS), the first of its kind in West Africa.

Considered Meinergy Technology Ltd.’s flagship project in Africa, the first phase comprising 5 MW of power generated from floating panels on the lake reservoir, aimed at preventing evaporation on the dam, has been completed. This 5 MW forms the pilot project of phase I of the larger 250 MW capacity Ghana plans to install in phases of 50 MW. Phase II is already under construction and work is progressing.

The Bui Power Authority (BPA) expects the entire 250 MW capacity to cost an investment of around GHS 3 billion ($480 million).

Ghana aims to have renewable energy sources account for 10% of its energy mix by 2030. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Ghana’s cumulative installed renewable energy capacity at the end of 2019 was 1.656 GW with solar PV expected to account for 63 MW.

MEINERGY AND THE BUI POWER AUTHORITY

• Power Sales & Purchase Agreement (PSPA) to trade power with Earl International Group Gold Ltd.
• Development of 50MWp Solar PV farm under the framework of EPC-F in five phases
• Development of 5MWp floating Solar on the Bui Dam
• Supply of spare parts and equipment under a framework of Call of Order with Bui Power
• Construction of retaining wall and a stone-pitch embankment at the Bui Power Generation Station